9 Bugs That Look Like Boxelder Bugs: Identifying Garden Mimics

Boxelder bugs are common insects, often seen congregating on walls, looking for warmth and shelter during the fall season.

They are harmless to humans and do not cause structural damage. They can, however, be a pest if they congregate in large numbers.

These black and red-striped bugs might be mistaken for other similar-looking pests.

It’s essential to distinguish different bugs, as their methods of control and potential harm to humans or property may vary.

Let’s dive into some of these similar insects and discuss their characteristics.

Identifying Bugs That Look Like Boxelder Bugs

Physical Characteristics

Boxelder bugs are small, black insects with distinct red markings.

Adults measure about 1/2 inch in length and have an oval shape with two antennae.

Their wings host diagonal red lines, while their thorax displays three red lines.

Nymphs are similar in appearance but tend to be smaller and lack fully developed wings².

Some key physical features of boxelder bugs to remember are:

• Black color
• Oval shape
• Red markings on wings and thorax
• Two antennae

Habitats and Habits

These bugs are typically found around boxelder and some maple trees³.

They seek warmth and shelter, often congregating on sunny walls with western or southern exposure and light-colored surfaces in the early fall⁴.

Boxelder bugs’ habits can be summed up with the following bullet points:

• Attracted to boxelder and maple trees
• Prefer sunny walls with western or southern exposure
• Look for warmth and shelter in early fall

Bugs That Look Like Boxelder Bugs: Common Lookalikes and Differences

Eastern Boxelder Bug vs. Western Boxelder Bug

Eastern and Western boxelder bugs are two closely related species. Both are part of the Rhopalidae family and their young look similar.

How to differentiate: Key differences between Eastern (Boisea trivittata) and Western boxelder bugs (Boisea rubrolineata) include:

• Eastern bugs often have more distinct red markings.
• Western bugs may have less prominent orange-red markings.

Boxelder Bug vs. Red-Shouldered Bug

Boxelder bugs and red-shouldered bugs may be difficult to distinguish, as both have:

• Red or orange markings on their bodies
• Six legs
• Similar body shape

How to differentiate: red-shouldered bugs are more common in the South and Southwest, while boxelder bugs are found in different regions.

Red-Shouldered Bug. Source: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Squash Bugs

Boxelder bugs and squash bugs share similarities such as:

• Brownish-gray body color
• Six legs
• Oval body shape

How to differentiate: squash bugs are primarily found on squash and pumpkin plants, while boxelder bugs prefer boxelder trees.

Bordered Plant Bug

Boxelder bugs and bordered plant bugs can be mistaken for each other because of:

• Their similar size
• Six legs
• Red or orange markings

How to differentiate: bordered plant bugs are more commonly found on flowers and plants, while boxelder bugs are associated with boxelder trees.

Bordered Plant Bug

Leaffooted Bugs

Boxelder bugs and leaffooted bugs have resemblances like:

• Long, oval bodies
• Six legs
• Similar body color

How to differentiate: leaffooted bugs have distinct leaf-like extensions on their hind legs, setting them apart from boxelder bugs.

Kissing Bug

Boxelder bugs and kissing bugs can be confused due to:

• Similar body shape
• Six legs
• Red or orange markings

How to differentiate: kissing bugs are known to transmit Chagas disease, making them more dangerous than the harmless boxelder bug.

Western Conifer Seed Bug

Boxelder bugs and western conifer seed bugs share characteristics such as:

• Long, oval bodies
• Six legs
• Winged appearance

How to differentiate: western conifer seed bugs are mostly brown and are associated with pine trees, unlike boxelder bugs.

European Firebugs

Boxelder bugs and European firebugs can look alike because of:

• Red and black markings
• Six legs
• Similar size

How to differentiate: European firebugs are native to Europe and have distinct patterns on their wings, differentiating them from boxelder bugs.

Elm Seed Bug

Boxelder bugs and elm seed bugs can be mistaken for each other due to:

• Red markings on their bodies
• Six legs
• Similar body shape

How to differentiate: Elm seed bugs are smaller and are primarily associated with elm trees, while boxelder bugs prefer boxelder trees.

Summary Comparison Table

Bug Name	Body Shape	Color	Size	Trees/Plants Commonly Found	Diseases Transmitted
Eastern Boxelder Bug	Oval	Black with red markings	12-14 mm	Boxelder trees	None
Western Boxelder Bug	Oval	Black with red markings	12-14 mm	Boxelder trees	None
Red-shouldered Bug	Oval	Black with red markings	8-11 mm	Various trees	None
Squash Bug	Oval	Brownish-gray	15-25 mm	Squash and pumpkin plants	None
Bordered Plant Bug	Oval	Green or yellow with red	8-10 mm	Flowers and plants	None
Leaffooted Bug	Long, Oval	Brown	20-25 mm	Various plants	None
Kissing Bug	Oval	Dark brown with red	14-24 mm	Various trees	Chagas disease
Western Conifer Seed Bug	Long, Oval	Brown	15-20 mm	Pine trees	None
European Firebug	Oval	Red with black markings	9-12 mm	Various plants	None
Elm Seed Bug	Oval	Brown with red markings	6-8 mm	Elm trees	None

Conclusion

Boxelder bugs, with their distinctive red and black markings, are often mistaken for a variety of other bugs.

While they are harmless and primarily a nuisance, it’s essential to differentiate them from other similar-looking pests, some of which can be harmful or transmit diseases.

This article has provided a comprehensive guide to identifying boxelder bugs and distinguishing them from their common lookalikes.

By understanding their physical characteristics, habitats, and habits, homeowners can make informed decisions about managing these pests and ensuring a safe environment.